The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul
For the countless basketball fans who were spellbound by the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2003–2004 high-wire act, this book is a rare and phenomenal treat. In The Last Season, Lakers coach Phil Jackson draws on his trademark honesty and insight to tell the whole story of the season that proved to be the final ride of a truly great dynasty. From the signing of future Hall-of-Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton to the Kobe Bryant rape case/media circus, this is a riveting tale of clashing egos, public...
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One of the most successful coaches in the history of basketball offers his personal account of a season like no other-the extraordinary ride of the 2003-2004 Los Angeles Lakers. From the signing of the future Hall-of-Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton, to the intricacies of managing difficult relationships and public feuds, facing Shaq's injuries, contract disputes, and team meltdowns, all in the shadow of the Kobe Bryant trial-slash-media circus, Phil Jackson somehow guided his team through to its fourth NBA Finals in his five years as its coach. With explosive revelations and never-before-told insights, Jackson brings to life this amazing season coaching a team as talented, and as troubled as any he's ever known.
\ From Barnes & NobleOn paper, the 2003-4 Los Angeles Lakers were a coach's dream. Coach Phil Jackson's Lakers owned towering center Shaquille O'Neal and power guard Kobe Bryant, the most dynamic duo in the game and the core of the team that had snatched three of the previous four NBA championships. To strengthen their ranks, L.A. had added future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton to the already star-studded roster. But all was not well in La-La Land. Before the season was over, "team leaders" Shaq and Kobe had exchanged insults and disparaging second-guesses in the press; Bryant was arrested on felony sex charges; and Jackson's well-laid game plans had disintegrated in the midst of media frenzy, salary disputes, and a general team meltdown. As one fan put it, "The team doesn't need a coach; it needs a psychiatrist." In The Last Season, the ever-reflective nine-time NBA championship coach offers an insider's view of a dream team's nightmare.\ \
